Aldi renews collaboration with Tony’s Chocolonely for its own-brand chocolate bar, amid criticism towards Lidl.
- The Choceur Choco Changer returns, produced under Tony’s Open Chain principles, ensuring ethical cocoa sourcing.
- The partnership supports cocoa farmers in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire through fair income practices.
- Aldi aims for sustainable cocoa sourcing in all own-label products by 2025.
- Tony’s Chocolonely criticizes Lidl for copying product design without ethical practices.
In a strategic move towards ethical sourcing, Aldi has resumed its partnership with Tony’s Chocolonely to source cocoa responsibly for its Choceur Choco Changer chocolate bar. This collaboration, which initially saw success in 2021, aims to provide customers with a product that combines taste with ethical responsibility. As part of this venture, the chocolate bar will be available as a Specialbuy from September 12th at a price of £2.25.
The production of the Choceur Choco Changer leverages Tony’s Open Chain, a framework built on five sourcing principles designed to ensure responsible cocoa sourcing. By adhering to these principles, Aldi commits to paying a Living Income Reference Price for all the cocoa procured, thereby aiding farmers in achieving a sustainable income. This initiative predominantly benefits those involved in cocoa farming in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire.
Aldi has expressed a commitment to the ethical sourcing of cocoa across its own-label products sold in the UK and Ireland. The company’s goal is to fulfill this commitment by 2025, ensuring that all cocoa is certified by Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance, or Cocoa Horizons. This ambition aligns with Aldi’s broader Fairly Traded policy, emphasizing sustainability in supply chains.
The partnership was reaffirmed amid public criticism from Tony’s Chocolonely directed at Lidl, accusing the latter of imitating its chocolate bar design without adopting the same rigorous sourcing standards. Tony’s Chocolonely expressed dissatisfaction with Lidl’s approach, stating it “doesn’t feel right” given the ethical implications involved.
Sanne van Zon-Arts, representing Tony’s Open Chain, highlighted the continued collaboration with Aldi as a significant step forward. “Our partnership with Aldi continues to be a pioneering force for good and demonstrates our shared commitment to transforming supply chains across the globe.” This statement underscores the importance both companies place on sustainability and ethical sourcing in their operations.
Aldi’s collaboration with Tony’s Chocolonely exemplifies a continued commitment to ethical sourcing practices in the supply chain.
